Leaving car sitting for 4 weeks.. what do I need to do?

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Aaroona

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#220178 29-Jul-2017 12:57

I'm parking the car up for 4 weeks, in a secured underground complex. I've read lots of things about using a battery tender, slightly over inflating the tires to avoid flat spots etc. when leaving the vehicle, but because this is a shared compound, I won't be able to do that (or at least the tender option).

What is the next best option in regards to the battery?

Linux

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#1833363 29-Jul-2017 13:10

4 weeks not worth doing anything really just check tire pressures when back and if battery is in OK condition that should be fine as well

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#1833365 29-Jul-2017 13:10

If your battery is charged 4 weeks is nothing to worry about. If you want to be paranoid park so you have access to the battery if a jump is needed. Write down the odometer if anyone has a key "just in case it has to be moved".

cadman

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#1833387 29-Jul-2017 14:15

I'd just disconnect the battery at the negative terminal if it's a few years old. Other than that, nothing.

Aaroona

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#1833399 29-Jul-2017 14:43

Thanks all.

Might go down the disconnecting the battery route - I think the battery is in "average" condition. Probably requires replacing soon, may very well be after this stint. So will make sure the nose is pointing out of the park (usually is anyway).

Will also check in with the dealer and see if its alright to leave it disconnected for that length of time, or if its likely to cause other issues (Being a Euro, that wouldn't surprise me one bit...)

Fortunately it's a proper car park, so won't need to worry about anyone driving it... It'll stay where I leave it... and being under ground helps too with keeping it somewhat clean while it sits.

Rikkitic

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#1833403 29-Jul-2017 14:52

I used to divide my years between NZ and Europe. Every May I would park behind a shed on a friend's property, disconnect the battery, put the rego on hold, and leave. Six months later I would come back, reconnect the battery, and start the car. I did this for seven years and never had a problem. I would just crank the engine a few times to circulate the oil, and let it warm on idle before taking off.

I don't think there is ever a bad time to talk about how absurd war is, how old men make decisions and young people die. - George Clooney

Jase2985

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#1833454 29-Jul-2017 18:01

yep, i normally go away for periods of 1 week to 6 months for work and i dont do anything, i might get the wife to drive it ever month or so but sometimes that never happens and she normally just drives it to week before im back.

qwertee

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#1833456 29-Jul-2017 18:04

If you have a stereo that needs a code to be re-entered, when you re-connect the batteries , make sure you have those handy.

I have been away for roughly a month and it has been fine ie: I never disconnected the battery, as it was pretty new.

Would not recommend for an older battery though!

Batman

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#1833491 29-Jul-2017 18:42

I do that all the time. Nothing to do.

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Aaroona

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#1873787 27-Sep-2017 18:28

So as it turns out, I left the car all connected up, mainly because it's not easy to open the boot when there is no power to the car...!

But, the car lasted the 4 weeks without any issues and started up without a stutter when I got back.

I've given it a nice full tank of gas and checked it's tire pressures as a reward... Though I do feel like a good clean would be good too haha.

Thanks all!